Articles tagged with Automobiles
A study by Lalwani and Monroe found that frequently fluctuating prices cause consumers to perceive a product's average price as lower than when the price is reduced by a larger amount but less often. This suggests that frequent discounts may be more effective in driving sales.
A new NIST device, called a goniospectrometer, automatically measures the color of light reflected from a surface as well as its dependence on the directions of illumination and observation. This comprehensive tool provides more complete data on reflection of light from a color surface.
Rice University scientists have constructed the world's smallest car, a single molecule 'nanocar' with four buckyball wheels. The nanocar can roll on its axles in a direction perpendicular to its movement, marking a significant achievement in bottom-up molecular manufacturing.
A UCSF professor argues that paying doctors and hospitals to improve performance has little impact on care quality. He suggests that health insurers must consider the complexity of the system before deciding whether pay-for-performance works.
The Columbia battery, introduced in 1896, marked a significant step in transforming batteries from industrial products to consumer goods. Its technology served as the basis for all dry cell batteries for sixty years.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have pinpointed a chemical called triazole that can allow polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells to operate at much higher temperatures without moisture. This discovery could make polymer fuel cells cheaper and more practical for use in cars, laptops, and cell phones.
This study examines how language gender systems impact brand attitudes and evaluations. In Spanish, consistent formal markers enhance brand recall, while semantic associations drive brand evaluation. In English, formal cues determine initial brand name gender, but congruent semantic associations improve brand evaluations and recall.
A recent study by the University of Cardiff's Economic & Social Research Council found that fast turnaround times on car carriers lead to a decline in seafarers' lives, causing fatigue, social isolation, and limited free time. The research highlights the need for better working conditions and labor protections for crew members.
A team of scientists has successfully separated spin from charge in a quantum wire, allowing it to progress independently along its length. This achievement demonstrates the phenomenon predicted six decades ago and has significant implications for our understanding of electron behavior.
As people age, their lenses become four times stiffer, increasing the risk of eye injury. The study recommends using safety systems like seat belts while driving and wearing impact-resistant glasses or protective lenses in sports or work environments.
A study found that angry consumers were 37% more likely to choose default options than sad individuals. Sad people tend to examine all the options carefully and make informed decisions.
Researchers explore how consumers construct their perceptions of self through loved possessions and activities. These objects play a crucial role in creating a coherent identity narrative, as they symbolically demarcate boundaries between the self and rejected identities.
A new University of Georgia study analyzed existing data and found that airbags are associated with slightly increased probability of death in accidents, particularly at high speeds. The analysis contradicts earlier studies on the effectiveness of airbags, which have been required for drivers and front-seat passengers since 1998.
A K-State professor is conducting research on the STAR Lab's simulation training program for young teenagers. The lab aims to assess training effectiveness and study whether such training transfers to real-life driving situations.
According to research, the average toll of US road deaths is highest on July 4th, with alcohol involvement increasing on this day compared to other days. The analysis also found that New Year's Day and Saturdays are associated with higher numbers of fatalities, highlighting the importance of vigilance during peak hours.
Researchers create a new mathematical model that explains the relationship between friction and motion, suggesting that traditional braking methods may not be the most effective. The findings could lead to improved road safety by optimizing brake performance.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that RFID microchips in car keys and wireless payment tags may be vulnerable to encryption cracking, allowing thieves to bypass auto theft prevention systems and charge unauthorized purchases. The study recommends implementing free metallic sheaths to cover devices when not in use.
A K-State engineering professor studied rural highway crashes in Kansas, finding four key factors that consistently contribute to fatalities: driving under the influence, speeding, not using a seat belt, and being ejected from the vehicle. The study's findings have practical implications for introducing a primary seat belt law and emph...
A study found that fine particulate matter from brake wear and engine emissions increases inflammatory cells, clotting pathways, heart rhythm variability, and red blood cell volume in drivers. Exposure to pollution causes cardiovascular risks through effects on the heart rhythm and blood clotting pathways.
Researchers at UH Cullen College of Engineering are developing advanced features for
A Clemson University spin-off company has developed a new type of plastic made from polylactic acid derived from corn, which can replace up to 50% of chemicals used in regular plastics. This material could reduce 5 billion pounds of non-biodegradable plastics discarded annually and lower air pollutants.
A study challenges the common perception that spiders cause many diseases, including skin ulcers and flesh-eating skin disease. In reality, spider bites are rare and generally harmless, while other causes of these conditions are more likely.
A new study uses virtual reality to safely study children's ability to cross busy roads, revealing that kids leave less time between themselves and oncoming cars than adults. The findings suggest mistakes in judging traffic gaps may be a significant risk factor in car/bicycle collisions.
Researchers apply Darwinian principles to optimize car setup for better performance. The study uses genetic algorithms to combine the best settings of Formula One cars, resulting in a 0.88-second lap time improvement.
The study found that wearing seat belts by rear seat occupants can prevent about 1 in 6 deaths of restrained front targets. Wearing restraints also reduces the risk of death for all rear targets, with a 15% increase when an occupant in the same seat row is not restrained.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new muffler design that utilizes glass fiber, reducing auto noise by up to 40 decibels and improving engine performance. The design can be lighter, less prone to corrosion, and help engines work more efficiently.
A study published in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management found that welfare recipients with mental health problems and substance use issues face barriers to employment. Greater proximity to service providers increased the likelihood of receiving services, particularly for those without access to automobile transportation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that suburban residents felt a close sense of community with their neighbors. Despite criticisms that suburbs are cold and sterile, the study refuted these claims by showing that both traditional and suburban neighborhoods can foster strong community bonds.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that babies use a clear hierarchy of features to individuate objects, with shape and size being most important until 7.5 months. By 11.5 months, color becomes relevant in this process, revealing insights into how babies perceive their world.
A recent study analyzed data from two Finnish cohorts and found the risk of any type of eye injury caused by airbags to be very slight, only 2.5 percent. Open eye injuries were more likely to occur among eyeglass wearers, but those who did not wear eyeglasses were more likely to suffer from injuries caused by airbag chemicals.
A team of Johns Hopkins University undergraduates invented the Main Squeeze device to ease child car safety seat installation. The low-tech tool applies up to 200 pounds of compression to ensure a snug fit, reducing the risk of injury. The students' design uses a simple crank and attachments for various car models.
Researchers used GPS receivers to detect seismic waves from a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Alaska and measure their impact on the US and Canada, revealing large surface displacements. The study showcases the versatility of GPS technology for tracking seismic activity and monitoring natural disasters.
Researchers have developed a new vegetable oil that can provide performance-enhancing benefits to car engines, improving stability at both hot and cold temperatures. The biodegradable oil could reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil and minimize environmental harm.
Researchers found that expert car viewers' ability to recognize cars interferes with face recognition, while novices do not. The study suggests a common neural circuitry for holistic object recognition, applicable to various objects, including faces and cars.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that 15% of Ontario students with driver's licenses reported driving under the influence of alcohol, and 20% admitted to driving after using cannabis. These findings are particularly concerning given the high incidence of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions among adolescents.
A new software developed by Ohio State University engineer Benjamin Coifman uses data from in-road detectors to pinpoint traffic congestion and measure travel time. This technology can improve traffic monitoring while minimizing disruptions to drivers, reducing the financial costs of traffic jams.
Researchers have developed a web-based project to familiarize drivers with Boston's new Big Dig routes. The Web Big Dig Drive provides detailed information on signage, pavement markers, and side barriers, helping commuters and travelers adjust to the changes ahead of time.
A recent NIH study found that families participating in the Checkpoints Program reported imposing stricter driving limits on their teens, both when they got their licenses and three months later. The program includes a video, newsletters, and a parent-teen driving agreement that help parents teach adolescents to drive safely.
A recent study estimates that producing a single two-gram chip requires at least 3.7 pounds of fossil fuel and chemical inputs, contradicting the concept of dematerialization. The high-energy consumption is attributed to the low entropy of microchips, which are manufactured from highly organized starting materials.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a simple alternative to complex mathematical models for analyzing car designs. The new technique can pinpoint design flaws more accurately and diagnose problems within days, compared to months, by using vibration measurements.
A study of 818 fatally injured drivers found a strong association between blood alcohol content (BAC) and problem drinking. Despite this, over 40% of drivers with high BACs were not reported as problem drinkers by their spouses, highlighting the need for targeted countermeasures.
Weaves technology enables scalable network emulation, allowing for large-scale testing without requiring software rewrites. The system creates a virtual world to mimic real-world conditions, ensuring equivalence between test and actual results.
A recent study found that almost 33,000 pregnant women were involved in car crashes every year between 1995 and 1999. The researchers also discovered that younger women, aged 20-29, are more likely to be involved in car crashes during their peak childbearing years.
Researchers will analyze driver behavior and travel patterns to understand the impact of speed on crashes. The study aims to identify factors contributing to speeding and extreme braking, which can help inform safety enhancements for vehicles and roadways.
A new study reveals that men are on average twice as likely to die prematurely as women at every age, particularly in their twenties. The disparity holds true for various causes of death, including car crashes and heart disease. If male mortality rates matched female rates, over 375,000 lives would be saved annually in the US.
Ohio State University engineers designed a generic pipe adapter to diagnose and eliminate whistle noise in vehicle engines. The adapter reduces sound levels by up to 30 decibels, saving automakers time and money.
Researchers from Agere Systems transmitted 3.2 terabits of information per second over a 1000km long fiber optic line using DWDM technology. A separate team from Mitsubishi Japan has made progress on transoceanic class transmissions, aiming to establish longer connections between countries.
The partnership aims to speed up the design process by using advanced simulation and computerized component testing. Companies involved in the project include United Technologies, Visteon, John Deere, and Procter & Gamble.
A driver going at 65 miles per hour may think the average speed is over 70, while a slow driver perceives a high proportion of fast cars. Heavy traffic skews perception, making brake and accelerator sensitivity twice as sensitive.
A Japanese study found that front-seat passengers are nearly five times more likely to die in car crashes if rear-seat passengers do not wear seat belts. The researchers estimate that up to 80% of deaths of belted front-seat occupants could be prevented with rear seatbelt use.
A study found that alcohol use significantly raises the risk of death for both passengers and operators on recreational boats. Drinking while on a boat impairs an individual's ability to rescue themselves, increasing the chances of drowning and hypothermia.
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) has been awarded a $3 million grant to study driver behavior leading up to crashes and near-crashes in Northern Virginia. The project aims to provide detailed data on events leading up to crashes, bridging gaps in knowledge about pre-crash and conflict behaviors of drivers.
A new study by the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences found that consumers are more likely to maintain their vehicles properly if they have high-quality auto ratings. The study reveals three key lessons for manufacturers, dealers, and distributors: pricing power, customer loyalty, and leasing operations.
A Finnish study found that car collisions with moose and deer peak one hour after sunset, reaching crash rates 30-80 times higher than daylight hours. The risk is also present during dawn, with Finnish deer being descendants of white-tails imported from America in 1934.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new alternator design that significantly increases electrical power in future cars while also improving fuel efficiency. The technology, which uses active switches to control current flow, solves several technical problems associated with higher-voltage systems.
Researchers found unexpectedly high levels of ammonia in the exhaust of gasoline-powered cars on a southern California freeway ramp. The study suggests that cars are adding twice as much ammonia to the air as livestock do, with a small share of vehicles producing most of the pollution.
A new study by Valerie Hans reveals that potential jurors are skeptical of people who file whiplash lawsuits, leading to doubts about the legitimacy of claims. The research found that 92% of respondents believed frivolous lawsuits are common, resulting in lower settlements and more jury trials.
Teenage drivers face increased risks of fatal crashes when transporting more passengers, particularly those under 30 years old. Researchers recommend graduated licensing systems to mitigate this risk and reduce motor vehicle crashes among teenagers.
Engineers at Ohio State University have developed a method of computer analysis that extracts valuable information from the pitches of sound coming from a car, revealing insights into engine performance and driver technique. The same technique could be applied to other complicated machinery, such as power plant turbines.
A joint project between Nissan and MIT, the system uses computer and sensor data to monitor driving patterns and predict actions. With accuracy of 95%, it aims to build cars that adapt to individual drivers' needs.